Human wearable laminar structure, insole made therefrom and methods for their manufacture

ABSTRACT

A composite laminar structure treated to inhibit micro-organisms from thriving thereupon, comprising a suitable thickness of two or more expanses of woven or non-woven materials. A plurality of nano-particles, including materials such as silver, are distributed relatively uniformly across and sufficiently durably coupled with the two or more material expanses to resist removal during normal use and mild laundering. The nano-particles possess anti-microbial properties suitable to substantially inhibit population growth of one or more micro-organisms. The laminar structure may be configured as an insole for a shoe, or as other articles for wear or use in other applications where growth of micro-organisms is undesirable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisionalapplication No. 60/919,598, filed on 22 Mar. 2007 and entitledANTI-MICROBIAL, ANTI-BACTERIAL AND/OR ANTI-FUNGAL HYPOALLERGENIC LAMINARSTRUCTURE, INSOLE MADE THEREFROM AND METHODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety bythis reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of insoles for footwear,e.g. shoes, boots, sandals, flip flops, slippers, and the like. Moreparticularly, it concerns a composite, e.g. laminar, structure andinsole made therefrom utilizing hypoallergenic materials that exhibitanti-microbial, anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal properties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric fragmentary view of a laminar structure made inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the invented methodof manufacturing the laminar structure of FIG. 1, including thetreatment of a length of fabric in a colloidal nano-silver bath.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the steps in the method of manufacturing andusing the invented insole in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a woman's dress shoe insole made of thelaminar structure of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D collectively and respectively are fouralternative top plan views of insoles for a woman's ¾ length mule shoe,a woman's sport or casual shoe or boot, a man's shoe or boot and achild's shoe or boot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Briefly, the present invention provides a composite, e.g. laminar,structure and an insole made therefrom exhibiting antimicrobial,antibacterial and/or antifungal characteristics. The antimicrobial,antibacterial and/or antifungal effects (collectively herein in anycombination ‘antimicrobial’) of the composite insole are derived fromnano-silver particles that are infused or otherwise ingrained in, oreffectively applied to a surface of, the composite material. Thecomposite insole material layer (‘fabric’ herein for convenience)contains fibers made of cotton, linen, silk, wool, leather, blendedfabric, synthetic fiber, or any combination thereof The presentinvention also provides a method for constructing the antimicrobial,antibacterial and/or antifungal composite insole.

FIG. 1 is an isometric fragmentary view of the invented composite, e.g.laminar, structure 10 made in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that generallyplanar laminar structure 10 is configured to provide antimicrobial,antibacterial, and/or antifungal properties, preferably to be at leasthand-washable, and to be relatively soft and comfortable against auser's skin. More particularly, those of skill will appreciate that thelaminar structure 10 is provided with an upper laminate 12 of finishedmaterial such as woven cotton and an intermediate laminate 14 of bodyfluid-affinitive or so-called “wicking” material such as woven wool. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, laminates 12 and 14 areadhered to one another by a thin and preferably moisture-permeable filmadhesive layer 16, as illustrated, which can be obtained from the 3M™Corporation, although embodiments contemplate the use of suitablealternatives. Adhered laminates 12 and 14 are referred to herein as theinvented composite, however adhered to one another, and whether “backed”or “fronted” by another laminate. Each of upper laminate 12 andintermediate laminate 14 may typically be configured as an expanse ofmaterial, each having at least two opposing relatively planar surfaceslying approximately parallel planar with respect to one another.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, one or more oflaminates 12 and 14 include, e.g. are infused or otherwise effectivelytreated with, a suitable density of colloidal nano-particles 18exhibiting anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and/or anti-fungalproperties. Colloidal nano-silver has been shown to be one suchcolloidal nano-particle and can be made to substantially permanentlyinfuse or otherwise ingrain a cotton fiber and/or a wool fiber of whichlaminates 12 and 14 suitably can be made. Nano-silver with a meanparticulate diameter of between two and five nanometers (2-5 nm) hasbeen found to be capable of being substantially evenly distributablethroughout both fibrous layers, thereby substantially permanently torender laminar structure 10 anti-microbial, anti-bacterial andantifungal. The embodiments are not, however, so limited. For example,colloidal silver particles with cross-sectional dimensions ofapproximately 11.6 nm, 30 nm, and 70 nm have shown demonstratedanti-microbial efficacy. Although nano-silver is described inembodiments herein, other materials shown to provide anti-microbialproperties include zinc, copper, and others, which may also be formed asnano-particles and applied as described herein.

In general, colloidal solutions including silver nano-particles withsuitable cross-sectional (e.g. diametric) dimensions betweenapproximately 2 nanometers and approximately 150 nanometers (˜2-150 nm.)provide similar benefits (e.g., anti-microbial, etc.), and effectiveembodiments are likewise contemplated herein at even larger sizes. Itis, however, expected that particle size can affect some performancecharacteristics, such as particle distribution upon and/or throughoutlayers in a laminate structure described herein, and particle retentionduring laundering, for example, with small particles providing enhancedbenefits and performance characteristics relative to larger particles.

Effective diffusion and even dispersion of the nano-silver particles inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention is achieved by soakingthe laminates in a nano-silver-infused bath and then drying the same, aswill be discussed in more detail below by reference to FIG. 2.Alternative means or methods of effectively impregnating or otherwisesuitably ingraining or surface treating (as by printing with colloidalnano-silver ink or dye) the composite, e.g. laminar, structure withcolloidal nano-particles are within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that alternative compositematerials may be substituted, e.g. linen, silk, leather, blendingfabric, synthetic fiber such as a “wicking” polyester, or the like,alone or in combination. Thus, while a cotton upper and a wool lowerlaminate are described and illustrated here because of theirhypoallergenic, smoothness and comfort qualities, those of skill in theart will appreciate that other suitable fibers or materials made by anysuitable process nevertheless are within the spirit and scope of theinvention. For example, woven fibers such as “wicking” polyester can besubstituted for the cotton upper laminate to “dry wick” body fluid (e.g.sweat) away from the user's body.

Optionally, a third laminate substrate 20 lies beneath and supports theabove-described composite structure including laminates 12 and 14.Substrate 20 can be of any suitable material such as hydrogel, silicone,Ellastalloy™, Kraton™, or the like (e.g. a special formulation may becreated for this layer using a combination of Kraton and anotherpolymer). For particular applications, such as shoe insoles to bedescribed below, it may include an inherent non-slip or non-skid lowersurface or a lower surface suitably treated to be non-slip or non-skid.Depending upon the material from which it is formed, substrate 20 maynaturally ‘cling’ to laminate 14 or it may instead be more permanentlyadhered thereto with any suitable adhesive, e.g. an adhesive film layer22.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that FIG. 1 is not drawn toscale in terms of dimensions, especially the relative thicknesses of thelaminates. Nor is FIG. 1 drawn to scale in terms of the density of thenano-silver particles (shown as tiny dots in laminates 12 and 14). Anyrelative thicknesses of laminates 12 and 14 and optional laminate 20 andparticulate densities within composite 10 that are effective for theirintended purpose are contemplated as being suitable and within thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting a step of the invented method ofmanufacturing the laminar structure of FIG. 1, discussed above, and/orthe shoe insole of FIG. 3, discussed below. Initially drymaterial/fabric 24 is conveyed via rollers 26, 28 and 30 through anano-silver colloids bath 32 to impregnate fabric 24 with colloidalnano-particles 18 (refer to FIG. 1). The impregnated or infused fabric24′ is then squeezed between closely adjacent squeeze rollers 34 and 36.Impregnated fabric 24′ is dried in a heated drying station 38 and cooledand relaxed in a curing station 40. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that fabric 24 and 24′ refers generally in this processdiagram to any fabric, e.g. laminate 12 and/or laminate 14, that is tobe nano-silver impregnated.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the processingconditions are as follows. The bath includes 2-3% by volume of anonionic or cationic softening agent such as fabric softener, 0.5-1% byvolume of a wetting agent and approximately 5-5.5% by volume (i.e.approximately 50-55 grams/liter (g/L) of nano-silver-containingcolloidal fluid identified by the trade name SNSE, or another suitablenano-silver colloid volume. SNSE is available from the NP-Tech Co. Ltd.of Seoul, South Korea, but any suitable alternative is acceptable. Thepick-up ratio of the process, i.e. the wet weight contribution to thefabric from the bath, is approximately 55-60%. The pick-up ratio ispre-tested to ensure proper pick up or percentage saturation of thefabric by the bath solution by adjustment, for example, of the pressurebetween squeeze rollers 34 and 36. Drying and curing stations 38 and 40can be of conventional design, e.g. typically the dryer has a peaktemperature of approximately 130° C. in the middle with temperaturestapering toward the entrance and exit thereof.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the steps in the manufacture and use ofthe invented insole in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.From FIG. 3, one or more of the two fabrics for laminate 12 and 14 isinfused or impregnated or otherwise effectively treated at 302 withcolloidal nano-silver, as by the process briefly outlined above byreference to FIG. 2. At 304, the upper surface of the impregnated fabricfor laminate 12 optionally is printed, as with a designer name, logo,etc. At 306, laminates 12, 14, and 20 are laid up and adhered to oneanother. At 308, the composite or laminar structure 10 is die-cut toproduce a desired shoe insole outline and edge compression thereat,although alternative methods for separating an insole from thecomposite/laminar structure 10 are also contemplated in embodiments.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that blocks 302, 304, 306 and308 are manufacturing steps, and the order of such steps can be altered(e.g., printing fabrics after lay-up, etc.) without departing from thecontemplated embodiments.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the manufacturing stepsillustrated in FIG. 3 and described above can be omitted, changed,differently ordered and/or combined and/or separated into smaller steps.For example, within the spirit and scope of the invention, the treat andprint steps 302 and 304 can be combined. In accordance with oneembodiment of the invention, colloidal nano-silver is added to the paintthat is used in the printing process on upper laminate 12 to treat thecomposite and to produce the desired anti-microbial, anti-bacterial,and/or anti-fungal properties. Thus, the invented composite and insolewithin the spirit and scope of the invention can have the colloidalnano-silver treatment on an upper (foot- or sock-contacting) surface ofthe upper laminate, or can have the colloidal nano-silver infused in theupper laminate itself, or can have the colloidal nano-silver infused inboth the upper laminate and the intermediate laminate also. All suchembodiments of the invention and their equivalents are contemplated.

At 310, the insole is trimmed by the user to fit his or her particularshoe size and style. At 312, the insole is inserted into the user'sshoe, snugged against the inner flat surface thereof and worn (used).After one or more uses of the insole, at 314, the insole is washed,preferably by hand in cold water using a mild detergent such as thatsold under the trade name WOOLITE™. At 316, the insole is reused, thusrepeating insert/wear and wash blocks 312 and 314. Experimental resultsindicate that twenty or more (e.g. fifty) reuses of the same insole arepossible in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a woman's dress shoe insole 42 made ofthe laminar structure of FIG. 1. In view of the above description, thestructure of insole 42 is nearly self-explanatory. Insole 42 includes atop designer layer 44, an intermediate layer 46, and a bottom non-slipor non-skid layer 48, all cut to a desired size and style of a woman'sdress shoe (not shown) and all adhered to one another to produce acomposite insole. Importantly, at least layer 44 is nano-silverparticulate infused or treated (as by the infusion process described andillustrated herein or as by application by whatever means of an outersurface layer). In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,intermediate layer 46 also is similarly or identically infused ortreated. The result is an insole for inserting in the bottom of a shoe,the insole being characterized as anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, andanti-fungal. Experimental results indicate 99.9% effectiveness afterbetween twenty and fifty uses against two bacteria includingstaphylococcus aureus and klebsiella pneumoniae.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D collectively are four alternative top plan viewsof insoles for a woman's ¾ length mule shoe, a woman's sport or casualshoe or boot, a man's shoe or boot and a child's shoe or boot. Those ofskill in the art will appreciate that each of the four alternativeinsoles is slightly different in shape and size to accommodate thephysiological and aesthetic preference differences among women, men andchildren. Those of skill also will appreciate that designer printsand/or autographs and/or logos of various configurations and patternsand colors can be added to the upper, visible surface of Top DesignerLayer A, as illustrated, to promote various designer trade names such asGUCCI™, FENDI™, COACH™, BURBERRY™, KATE SPADE™, RALPH LAUREN™, etc.Alternatively, copyrighted proprietary graphics, logos, trademarks,symbols, phrases, or patterns can be printed on Top Designer Layer A forpromotional, educational, entertainment or any other purpose. All suchprinting or surface preparation is contemplated as being within thespirit and scope of the invention.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 5A-5D illustraterepresentative or generic template outlines for the insoles. Within thespirit and scope of the invention, different shapes (e.g. shorter orpartial insoles) or sizes (e.g. S/M/L/XL) may be provided. Alternativeversions might include a women's dress shoe/pump or ¾ length muleinsole; a women's sport or casual full length shoe or boot; a men'sfull-length shoe or boot; a children's shoe or boot; a women's, men's orchildren's open-toed sandal or slipper, etc. All such alternative shapesand sizes and styles of insoles for use in a wide variety of footwearare contemplated and are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invented composite,e.g. laminar, structure lends itself to applications other thanfootwear. For example, general or specific attire or garments, e.g.riding breeches, athletic wear, hats, gloves, halters, pants, tops, etc.can be made using the composite with the advantage of its novelantimicrobial properties. Indeed, any non-woven or woven or otherorganic or natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk, leather,polyester, or the like can be made into the invented composite and thecomposite can then be made into any desirable shape for any desirablepurpose. All such applications are contemplated as being within thespirit and scope of the invention.

One Embodiment of the Invention

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, top designer layer44 is made of woven 100% cotton fiber. Also in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention, the top designer layer 44 is fused to a100% wool central padded layer 46 with an adhesive film therebetween(for example, the earlier described adhesive available from the 3M™corporation, or a suitable alternative). In accordance with oneembodiment of the invention, both layers 44 and 46 are treated with“permanent” colloidal nano-silver by which is meant the treatment lastssubstantially indefinitely under normal use and reuse. Finally, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, the bottom layer 48 ismade of non-slip hydrogel, silicone, the material identified by thetrade name ELASTALLOY™, the material identified by the trade nameKRATON™, or other suitable material that ‘sticks’ to the surface of anoriginal shoe footbed without slipping or leaving a residue. Those ofskill in the art will appreciate that top designer layer 44 typically isof lighter weight than is central padded layer 46, which typically is oflighter weight material than is bottom layer 48.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, top layer 44 issuitably approximately 1/64- 1/32 inch thick, intermediate layer 46 issuitably approximately 1/16-⅛ inch thick, and bottom layer 48 issuitably approximately 1/16-⅛ inch thick, all measured in theiruncompressed states. Those of skill in the art will appreciate, however,that the laminates are relatively fluffy and yieldable, and that, whencompressed, an inner region tri-laminate composite insole typically isno thicker than approximately 1/16-⅛ inch, and that, along theperipheral edge, the composite insole typically is no thicker thanapproximately 1/32 inch. Those of skill in the art will also appreciatethat the weights of the various layers, within the spirit and scope ofthe invention, may be different whether absolutely or relatively.

If orthotic effects are desired, such can be accommodated in accordancewith the invention by modifying bottom layer 48. For example, an archsupport can be built, e.g. molded, into a special bottom layer 48 beforebottom layer 48 is adhered to the other two layers 44 and 46 of insole42. Any and all such modifications to the laminates of the compositeinsole, whether functional (e.g. orthotic), or aesthetic, arecontemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.

There are four style/shape templates for this insole, Women's Dress,Women's Sport or Casual, Men's and Children, although those of skill inthe art will appreciate that any number of styles and shapes arecontemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Shoe Insole Product Characteristics in Accordance with the OneEmbodiment

1. Fiber layers are constructed of natural, environment-friendly,hypoallergenic materials.

2. Non-slip bottom layer 48 is a hydrogel, silicone, ELASTALLOY™ orKRATON™ layer that ‘sticks’ (naturally or as by the application of heatto the interface between bottom layer 48 and intermediate layer 46) tothe original insole surface of the shoe or boot without slipping.

3. Non-slip bottom layer 48 is re-usable, repositionable without losingadhesive quality.

4. Non-slip bottom layer 48 is removable without leaving residue on theupper surface of the shoe's inside bottom.

5. Non-slip bottom layer 48, once adhered within the invented insole 42,is not water soluble, nor will it break down or dissolve if soaked inwater with mild laundering detergent (e.g., WOOLITE™, and/or otherhand-washing detergent).

6. Insole 42 is washable up to approximately twenty washings or more(hand washing recommended), and repositionable after washing with samelevel of original adhesion.

7. Edges of insole 42 are compressed to a very thin (≦ 1/32″) cleanfinish.

8. Insole 42 is ‘trim-able’ within ¼″ at the perimeter of the insole foradjustments to size and fit in the shoe or boot.

9. At least top layer 44 and optionally also the wool padded centerlayer are treated with a solution of colloidal nano-silver particulate18 with a mean diameter of the silver particles of between 2-5 nm.

10. The application of nano-silver particulate 18 is permanent and willnot lose anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal efficacy for up totwenty or more washings.

11. Distribution of nano-silver particles 18 on fabric (as a function ofweight per square centimeter) is provided in a suitable concentration ofparts per million (ppm) proven effective in eliminating micro-organisms(e.g., one or more of bacteria, fungus, microbes, etc.) to a 95% orgreater level, more preferably up to a 99.7% or greater level and, inaccordance with some embodiments, even up to a 99.9% level. Demonstratedsuitable concentrations are found in the range of approximately 10-200ppm. While it is expected that even higher concentrations may provideimproved particle density when deposited on an expanse of materialsuitable for use in a laminar insole described herein, and thereforeperhaps enhanced anti-microbial benefits, and improved particleretention following laundering, concentrations of silver nano-particlesin the range of approximately 20-50 ppm have shown particular benefits.

12. Bottom non-slip layer 48 is protected by a suitable film covermaterial such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET)polyester (identified by the trade name MYLAR™), acetate or anothercomparable removable material to prevent insole 42 from sticking to theinside of the insole's packaging. Such cover material may typically beclear, although it may likewise be partially or entirely opaque to lightin the visible spectrum according to alternative embodiments. Likewise,the cover material may be treated with a release material (e.g.,silicone, etc.) to enable easy release from the bottom non-slip layer48.

13. To use insole 42, the MYLAR™ cover is peeled away, exposing thesticky non-slip lower surface of the bottom layer.

14. Finished insole 42 is die-cut to pattern sizing specifications.

Alternative Embodiments

The scope of the invention contemplates several variations which yielduseful and beneficial properties in alternative embodiments.

In one such embodiment, one or more of the laminate materials cancomprise aromatic (e.g., in the broad sense of having an aroma) or otherfragrant materials. For example, a laminate material individually orwhen combined with another laminate material, or an adhesive materialutilized in construction of a laminar structure described herein, may beinfused with essential oils, or may include an integrated fragrantmaterial (e.g., fragrant portions of a lavender plant, etc.). Thefragrant material may be a naturally occurring material or somederivative thereof, or a man-made fragrant material, or any combinationthereof. By ‘fragrant material’, it is meant that the materialinherently and/or is caused to release into the surrounding environment(e.g., whether gaseous, liquidous, etc.) compounds which individually orin combination are detectable by the olfactory organs of any livingorganism. Thus, a laminar structure which exudes a pleasant aroma forhumans, as well as a laminar structure which exudes an offensive smellto one or more animals (for example, to discourage a dog from chewingslippers), are equally within the scope of the contemplated embodiments.

Another contemplated embodiment provides a laminar structure in whichone or more of the laminate materials include pharmaceutically and/orphysiologically beneficial materials (e.g., medicines, soothinglotions/oils, anti-pruritics, anti-biotics, ultraviolet-energy blockers,etc.), configured to deliver a beneficial effect to a human. Such effectcan be deliverable at the time a laminar structure so configured isworn, however in embodiments, residual beneficial effects may continuefor some period of time even after removal by the human. For example, anapproved and recognized anti-fungal compound can be infused, applied,embedded, or otherwise incorporated with a laminate structure, and whilethe nano-particles of the laminate structure inhibit microbial growth atthe laminar structure itself, the anti-fungal compound can deliversimilar benefits to a wearer of the laminar structure. Therefore, anembodiment of the invented laminar structure can not only mitigate theharmful potential of a common vector for harmful micro-organisms (e.g.,a shoe insole, etc.), but can also deliver medication and treatment to ahuman wearer via the inclusion of a recognized and approved medicinalmaterial. However, the embodiments are not so limited, and can generallyinclude any pharmaceutically and/or physiologically beneficial materialor compound, or combination thereof, which provides benefits when placedin contact and/or proximity to a portion of a human body.

Further, although numerous material for forming a woven or non-wovenlaminate material are listed herein, it bears repeating and clarifyingthat the embodiments are in no way limited to the listed materials. Thecontemplated embodiments include both natural and synthetic materials,or any suitable combination thereof. A non-exclusive list of naturalmaterial can include cotton, silk, bamboo, hemp, wool, or hair, but moreproperly encompasses any material obtained and/or derived from naturalsources, whether obtained or formed as fibers or in some other form.Likewise, the vast number of options utilizing synthetic materials(e.g., man-made or machine-made) provide embodiments far too numerous tolist. As any listing provide herein could be improperly interpreted in alimiting sense, no such listing is provide. However, one having skill inthe art will recognize that nearly any synthetic material currently usedor contemplated for use in the production of or formable as textiles,fabrics, or other flexible sheet-like materials may be used inembodiments as provided herein. Additionally, the term ‘man-made’,wherever utilized within this description, is not intended excludematerials which are partially or entirely machine-made, but rather isused herein to mean any material which is altered in some way from anaturally occurring state, by whatever method.

Likewise, any materials formed by utilizing, converting, reforming,reusing, reintegrating, reconstituting, or otherwise recoveringpreviously used materials, whether natural, synthetic, or somecombination thereof, are expressly included within embodiments and thescope of the contemplated invention. Collectively, all such material areconsidered ‘recycled materials’, but this phrase is given a mostexpansive meaning herein, and is not limited by any commercial,industrial, scientific, or other ‘special meaning’ assigned to thephrase ‘recycled materials’, past, present, or future. Rather, thephrase ‘recycled materials’ is used herein to means any material whichwas intended or actually applied to any past use, regardless the natureor term of that use, and is subsequently utilized in a laminar structureas described herein.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to themethod or detail of construction, fabrication, material, application oruse described and illustrated herein. Indeed, any suitable variation ofconstruction, fabrication, material, use, or application, or anyequivalent thereof, is contemplated as an alternative embodiment, andthus is within the spirit and scope, of the invention.

From the foregoing, those of skill in the art will appreciate thatseveral advantages of the present invention include the following.

The present invention provides anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and/oranti-fungal properties in a fabric composite and in a footwear insole.The insole's composite structure encourages wicking away from the user'sfoot of sweat or other body moisture to keep the foot dry. Thecomposite's smooth upper layer is smooth and comfortable against thefoot. The insole is washable and reusable, but maintains itseffectiveness, integrity and durability through multiple washings. Theinsole is aesthetically pleasing, and its smooth upper (visible) surfacecan bear designer names or logos or other proprietary print graphics,patterns, and/or colors.

It is further intended that any other embodiments of the presentinvention that result from any changes in application or method of useor operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which arenot specified within the detailed written description or illustrationscontained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilledin the art are within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been shown and describedwith reference to the foregoing embodiments of the invented apparatus,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes inform and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to themethod or detail of construction, fabrication, material, application oruse described and illustrated herein. Indeed, any suitable variation offabrication, use, or application is contemplated as an alternativeembodiment, and thus is within the spirit and scope, of the invention.

It is further intended that any other embodiments of the presentinvention that result from any changes in application or method of useor operation, configuration, method of manufacture, shape, size, ormaterial, which are not specified within the detailed writtendescription or illustrations contained herein yet would be understood byone skilled in the art, are within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been shown and describedwith reference to the foregoing embodiments of the invented apparatus,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes inform and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A composite in-sole structure treated to inhibit micro-organisms fromthriving thereupon, comprising: a first relatively planar materialexpanse of a suitable thickness, the first material expanse having afirst surface and an opposing second surface, the material expansehaving an outer periphery configured to approximately correspond to aperiphery of all or some portion of a sole of a human foot; a secondrelatively planar material expanse of a suitable thickness, the secondmaterial expanse having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface,wherein a substantial portion of the third surface is adhesively coupledwith a corresponding portion of the second surface and is approximatelycoextensive therewith, the adhered material expanses forming amulti-layer laminate structure; and a plurality of nano-particlesdistributed relatively uniformly across and sufficiently durably coupledwith one or both of the first material expanse and the second materialexpanse to resist removal during normal use and mild laundering, thenano-particles possessing anti-microbial properties suitable tosubstantially inhibit population growth of one or more micro-organisms.2. The composite in-sole structure of claim 1, further comprising: athird material expanse having a fifth surface and an opposing sixthsurface, wherein a substantial portion of the fifth surface isadhesively coupled with a corresponding portion of the fourth surfaceand is approximately coextensive therewith.
 3. The composite in-solestructure of claim 2, wherein one or more of the first material expanse,the second material expanse, and the third material expanse comprisesone or more of a non-woven material, a hypo-allergenic material, afragrant material, a recycled material, a natural material, and amaterial having either pharmaceutically or physiologically beneficialproperties for humans.
 4. The composite in-sole structure of claim 1,wherein the nano-particles comprise silver and are provided in asuitable concentration to substantially inhibit microbial-growth eitheror both of upon and within the multi-layer laminate structure.
 5. Thecomposite in-sole structure of claim 1, wherein the nano-particles aresuitably-sized with a cross-sectional dimension in a range ofapproximately 2-150 nanometers.
 6. The composite in-sole structure ofclaim 1, further comprising: a layer of a first adhesive materialinterposed between and adhesively coupling the second surface with thethird surface, wherein the adhesive material is permeable to moisture.7. The composite in-sole structure of claim 1, wherein one or more ofthe first material expanse and the second material expanse comprises amoisture-wicking material.
 8. The composite in-sole structure of claim2, further comprising: a relatively planar fourth expanse of linermaterial positioned adjacent to the sixth surface, the expanse of linermaterial having a seventh surface and an opposing eighth surface, theseventh surface being adhesively coupled with the sixth surface by arelatively thin layer of a second adhesive material, the seventh surfacefurther being removable from the second adhesive material while leavingthe second adhesive layer reasonably intact at the sixth surface.
 9. Thecomposite in-sole structure of claim 1, wherein the first materialexpanse further comprises one or more of text, symbols, graphics, logos,trademarks, symbols, phrases, and patterns, printed at the first surfaceor otherwise visibly incorporated with the first material expanse. 10.The composite in-sole structure of claim 2, wherein a thickness of aportion of the third material expanse differs relative to a thickness ofanother portion of the third material expanse.
 11. The composite in-solestructure of claim 2, wherein the third material expanse comprises amaterial configured to provide a typically reusable, non-slip interfacewith a footbed of a shoe when positioned in intimate contact therewith,while also being removeable therefrom without leaving an appreciableresidue thereupon, such material being one more selected from the groupconsisting of a hydrogel, a silicone, a material identified by the tradename ELASTALLOY, a material identified by the trade name KRATON, and anysuitable substitute.
 12. A method of providing a composite insolestructure treated to inhibit micro-organisms from thriving thereupon,comprising: relatively uniformly depositing an operative concentrationof nano-particles of a microbial-growth-inhibiting material at anoperative portion of a relatively planar expanse of a first material;adhesively coupling a relatively planar expanse of a second materialwith the operative portion of the first material expanse in a relativelyparallel-planar arrangement, the adhesively-coupled first and secondmaterial expanses comprising a multi-layer laminar structure; andseparating from the laminar structure a portion approximatelycorresponding in each of size and perimeter contour to a portion of ahuman foot, wherein the first and second material expanses areapproximately co-extensive one with the other.
 13. The method of claim12, further comprising: increasing the layers of the multi-layerlaminated insole structure by adhering an expanse of a third materialwith the insole structure, wherein one of the operative portion of thefirst material expanse and the second material expanse is interposedbetween the third material expanse and the other of the operativeportion of the first material expanse and the second material expanse.14. The method of claim 12, wherein depositing nano-particles comprisesimmersing the operative portion of the first material expanse in acolloidal solution comprising a suitable concentration of silvernano-particles, and further comprising one or more of water, ethanol,approximately 2-3% by volume of a softening agent, and approximately0.5-1% by volume of a wetting agent.
 15. The method of claim 12, whereinrelatively uniformly depositing nano-particles comprises controlling apick-up ratio of colloidal solution by providing a plurality ofcorresponding squeeze rollers, passing the first material expansebetween the squeeze rollers after the first material emerges from thecolloidal solution, and adjusting an amount of force concurrentlyapplied to the first material by the corresponding squeeze rollers as itpasses therebetween.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising:relatively uniformly depositing an operative concentration ofnano-particles of a microbial-growth-inhibiting material at an operativeportion of the second material expanse.
 17. The method of claim 12,further comprising: printing or otherwise visibly providing at anexposed surface of the insole structure one or more of text, symbols,graphics, logos, trademarks, symbols, phrases, and patterns.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: configuring the insole structurewith moisture-wicking properties by either or both of: providing one orboth of a moisture-wicking first material expanse and a moisture-wickingsecond material expanse, and providing a layer of moisture-permeableadhesive material interposed between the first material expanse and thesecond material expanse.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:configuring the third material expanse with at least a first thicknessat a first portion and a second thickness at a second portion, whereinthe plurality of thicknesses are configured to provide the insolestructure with one or more beneficial characteristics non-exclusivelyselected from among; providing additional thermal insulation at aportion of a human foot placed thereupon, providing additional supportat a portion of a human foot placed thereupon, providing additionalcushion at a portion of a human foot placed thereupon, improving a levelof correspondence between a contour of a footbed of a shoe and a contourof a human foot placed thereupon, providing orthotic benefits, alteringthe aesthetic characteristics of either or both of a shoe or a human legupon the lower terminus of which the insole is positioned during use,and preventing slippage of a human foot relative to a footbed of a shoedue to a lateral force applied therebetween.
 20. A human-wearablelaminar structure, comprising: two or more expanses of materialconfigured in a composite laminar arrangement, each expanse having atleast one relatively planar surface urged into and relatively securelyretained in close relation with an adjacent relatively planar surface ofat least one other material expanse of the arrangement; and a suitableconcentration of suitably-sized silver nano-particles distributedrelatively uniformly across and coupled with one or more of the materialexpanses sufficiently durably to resist removal during normal use and atleast approximately twenty cycles of mild laundering, the nano-particlesprovided in a suitable concentration to render the laminar structuresubstantially unsuitable for growth of one or more species ofmicro-organisms.